The California tax preparer bond is a $5,000 surety bond required of every California Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP). It is mandated by the California Tax Education Council (CTEC) as a condition of registering to prepare tax returns for a fee in California. The bond must be maintained for as long as you are registered.
Who Needs a Tax Preparer Bond?
You need a $5,000 tax preparer bond if you prepare, assist with, or advise on state or federal income tax returns for a fee in California and are not otherwise exempt (CPAs, attorneys, and enrolled agents are generally exempt). This applies to:
- New CRTP applicants registering with CTEC for the first time
- Existing tax preparers renewing their CTEC registration
What the Bond Protects
The tax preparer bond protects your clients. It guarantees that you will perform your tax preparation duties honestly and lawfully. If you commit fraud or cause a client financial harm through misconduct, the client can file a claim against your bond up to the $5,000 amount.
Inexpensive & Instant
Because the bond amount is modest, tax preparer bonds are among the most affordable and fastest surety bonds to obtain — usually a low flat rate with same-day issuance, regardless of credit.
How Much Does It Cost?
Tax preparer bonds are inexpensive. Most preparers pay a low flat premium, and multi-year terms are available at a discount. Credit is generally not a barrier for this bond.
How to Get Your Tax Preparer Bond
- Contact us for your tax preparer bond.
- Provide basic information — quick and simple.
- Pay the low flat premium.
- Receive your bond instantly to complete your CTEC registration.
Remember to complete CTEC's other requirements as well: the required tax education, obtaining a PTIN from the IRS, and registering with CTEC within the required timeframe.
Why Advanced Surety?
We make tax preparer bonds fast, cheap, and painless. Whether you're registering for the first time or renewing, we get you bonded instantly so you can meet your CTEC deadline.